LYDIAN ORCHESTRA SUMMER CONCERT WITH SEVENOAKS YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE
YEAR - LAST BEFORE STAG THEATRE CLOSURE. (Photos Below)
The Lydian Orchestra’s Summer Concert at the Stag Theatre on Sunday, with a
breath-taking performance by 18-year old Shira Epstein of Mendelssohn’s
violin concerto, was a sell-out as supporters and community groups came out in
force to demonstrate the importance of the venue before it closed on
Monday.
The highlight of the Lydian’s Summer event is always a solo performance by the
Sevenoaks Young Musician of the Year who is awarded the June Clements
Memorial medal at the concert in memory of Orchestra’s founder.June’s husband
and Lydian Patron Victor Clements said:” Every year the soloist performance gets
better and better – and Shira Epstein’s performance surpassed all expectations
”.
Sevenoaks District Arts Council Chairman, Cllr Mrs Alison Cook, who presented
the memorial medal also commended the Young Musician of the Year
2008 winner.”June Clements was herself a brilliant violinist and if she had been
sitting in the audience this evening, she’d have very much enjoyed your
performance.”
Brynly Clarke conducted the concert which also included performances of
Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony No 8 in B minor and Beethoven’s 5th in C
minor The Orchestra, which was set up more than 30 years ago to nurture
talented young musicians aged between 14 and 25 in the local area, has
traditionally held its Summer Concert at the Stag. Now with the closure of the
theatre, Mr Clements is concerned it will be difficult to find a similar venue
in Sevenoaks.
The Lydian, however,will still continue its calendar of three performances a
year with annual tours both abroad and in the UK. This year the Orchestra
will be playing as part of the Festival of British Youth Orchestras at the
Edinburgh fringe on August 20th and in Glasgow on August 21st. Other concerts
planned include the popular Christmas event at Trinity Arts Theatre in Tunbridge
Wells on Sunday December 21st with a solo performance by orchestra leader Alice
Plant of Bach’s A minor Violin Concerto, as well as a trio for two flutes and a
harp performed by long-standing Lydian players Lynne Fugard, Becky Andrew and
Claire Richardson. The Easter concert 2009 will be on Saturday April 4th at St
Nicholas’ Church.
Anyone wanting to know more or join (prospective players should have achieved
Grade 7 on strings or Grade 8 on wind instruments can contact the
Orchestra on 0845 644 4713
Sara Parker